Energizing the U.S. Economy: Rural America at the Epicenter of America S Energy Future

Energizing the U.S. Economy: Rural America at the Epicenter of America’s Energy Future

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2nd Event in Agricultural and Rural Energy Economics Symposium Series

sponsored by the Office of Energy Policy and New Uses (OEPNU USDA) and the Council on Food, Agriculture and Resource Economics (CFARE)

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Reserve Officers Association – Top of the Hill Symposia Room – 1 Constitution Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002

Jump to: PREMISE × PROGRAM × PRODUCTS × SPONSORS × STEERING COMMITTEE

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PREMISE

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In addition to being a food and agricultural powerhouse, rural America is also the epicenter of American investment in and deployment of renewable and fossil energy. The Appalachian states, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming are positioned in the eye of the shale explosion, while the Midwest and Great Plains are leading wind energy and biofuel investments. By simultaneously examining the collective impacts of several energy sources, it is possible to obtain a more thorough assessment of the implications of federal policy-making approaches.

As decision makers consider policy methods to advance America’s energy and economic future, it is critical to be aware of the structure and economics of rural energy impacts for landowners and local communities. Wind, solar, and shale gas development each have labor, leasing, and financing implications for the local, regional, and national energy economies. The event will cover:

· The importance, vulnerability, and potential impact of the U.S. rural energy economy in providing greater energy security.

· The local and regional implications of income benefits that farmers and landowners receive from land use-related energy contracts and which local communities receive from taxes and other new revenues.

· The long-term community impacts of energy tax incentives and industry maturation.

· Programs that support rural energy infrastructure and growth.

The event will conclude with a summary of the anticipated policy choices for rural energy development. Generally, the ideal for integration is to minimize impacts, maximize benefits, and support long-run growth.

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PROGRAM

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9:00 AM - Introduction

· Irene Xiarchos, Economist at the Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, Office of the Chief Economist, USDA

9:05 AM - Focus: Local Governments

· Tim Kelsey, Professor of Agricultural Economics and Co-Director, Center for Economic and Community Development at the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences - The long-term community impacts of managing wealth from industry development and maturation.

· Richard Krannich, Director of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Sociology, Social Work & Anthropology Department at Utah State University - Mixed short-run response to industry development and long-term considerations relative to local opportunities and liabilities.

· Roger Coupal, Professor and Community Development Specialist, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Wyoming - Combined impacts and dynamics of community incentives, related risks to the industry related to price volatility, etc.

10:15 AM - Focus: Landowners and Famers

· Jason Brown, Senior Economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City - Royalty and Lease Payments: Local economic implications from energy contracts.

· Irene Xiarchos, Economist at the Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, Office of the Chief Economist, USDA - Beyond Energy Contracts: Determinants and benefits of distributed energy applications.

11:00 AM - Focus: From the Field

· Venus Welch-White, Outreach Coordinator, USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service

· David Thigpen, North Carolina Energy Coordinator, USDA Rural Business-Cooperatives Service

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PRODUCTS

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Video Recording

Papers

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